This act contains three sections covering various misuses:
  • Unauthorised access to computer material
  • Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate commission of further offences
  • Unauthorised modification of computer material.

The first section deals with 'basic hacking', which is getting access to a computer system, data or a program with permission. For example, a pupil finds and uses a teacher's password to gain access to the school computer system and even though no damage to files or data has been done, this is still a crime.

The second section applies to situations when a computer system is being used to help in committing another crime. For example, a computer being used to steal money from a bank account.

The third section covers 'expert hacking', which is the modification of data on a computer system without permission. For example, the deliberate planting or viruses on a computer on a computer system. It also covers the deletion or modification or another user's file.